Family, Youth and Community Sciences

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

An introduction to the study and practice of human resource development. Presents analytic concepts used in the study of human resource development. Emphasizes the vulnerabilities and needs of U.S. children, youth, families, and communities and describes human services that maximize human potential and minimize personal and societal costs. Introduces students to the roles and skills of the human service professional. (S)

Acquaints students with challenges and changes associated with parenthood. Includes strategies, skills and resources for understanding parenting. Diverse family types and parenting risks will also be addressed.

Focuses on the major social and family problems contemporary families face, including poverty, violence, and care of dependent elders. An emphasis is placed on family strengths and resiliency as well as social programs that help families withstand and overcome difficulties. Emphasizes the role of society, race and gender in constructing family problems.

An indepth look at human services that assist children and families. The focus is on income support, child protection, adoption and family support programs offered through human services agencies. The course emphasizes the development of professional development helping skills for working directly with children and families.

This course provides an introduction to youth development principles utilizing an ecological framework. Major theories relevant to domains of development are introduced. Then, major physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes experienced by youth in middle childhood through adolescence are explored. Application of youth development principles in context of family, school and community are emphasized throughout the course.

An introduction to the study of community in American society. Addresses the theoretical underpinnings of the concept of community and explores changes that have affected urban and rural communities. (S)

This course provides an overview of family financial management including an introduction to time value of money, financial goals based on family values, budgeting, credit, insurance, investments, estate planning, taxes and transfer of assets.

Ethics and ethical decision-making by professionals working individuals and their families is addressed in this course. Ethical issues related to family relationships and family life are emphasized.

Communities in America are being confronted with a number of significant changes. Such shifts are not felt in the same manner across various regions or communities in the U.S. This course explores some of the current and emerging issues having differential consequences for urban and rural areas in this country

Examines youth development and its ecology, emphasizing the challenges and issues facing adolescents/ youth, and the creation of communities that foster positive youth development and resiliency. Includes theoretical, methodological, empirical and practical issues regarding youth development issues and solutions. Examines the ecology of youth development, focusing on the dynamics of interactions and reciprocal relationships between youth and the various systems of the environment.

This course deals with an overview of nonprofit organizations, their functions and purpose, how they are organized and operate, and the basic structure of an incorporated nonprofit.

Educational techniques for family life educators and human science providers who will help individuals and families address key issues of development and human relationships at each stage of the life cycle.

This course is designed to enable students to understand and apply the principles of social science research methods. Students learn a variety of research methods and have "hands on" experience with data collection and analysis.

Selected topics and problems related to family, youth and community sciences and the student’s specific area of interest.

A special project course restricted to students in the college’s Honors Program. Students complete a project on a selected topic, issue or problem in research, teaching or extension.

A work experience in a human/community services agency and a professional seminar to discuss student progress, workplace experiences and issues, and critical topics in professional development.